How to Create Scan Lines in Photoshop

Every graphic and web designer should know this simple way to create a cool computer scan line effect. This effect can give any website header or content image a nice, sleek, high-tech look. This technique also works very well as a special effect to give images that famous Star Wars hologram look.

Instructions

1. Begin with a new file. From the menu bar select "File" then "New" to open a new file. Set the "Width" to 2 pixels and the "Height" to 4 pixels. Make sure the "Background Contents" option is set to "Transparent."

2. Enlarge the image. The new image you created is very tiny, so select "View" then "Fit On Screen" to zoom in on it, or you can simply click on it a few times with the "Magnifying Glass" tool.

3. Select the "Pencil Tool" and color the top half of your new image white.

4. Name the pattern. Select "Edit" then "Define Pattern" and name the pattern "scanline."

5. Open an image in Adobe Photoshop that you want to add scan lines to. Any image will do for this tutorial, whether it's a photo or some other graphic creation.

6. Add the scan lines to the image by selecting "Layer," then "New Fill Layer " and "Pattern." The "Name" field will have "Pattern Fill 1" in it and should default to the pattern you defined earlier. You should not have to change this, but you can type "scanline" into the field to make sure the pattern you defined is used. Set the "Opacity" to 30 percent and click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• Using white for the scan line color works well if you are applying your scan lines to a dark image. If you are applying scan lines to a lighter image, you can use black.

• For a hologram effect, using green works best.